Measles in Texas: CDC believes measles cases will be underreported
The CDC said, "Working closely with colleagues in Texas, when speaking with families, they may point to members with previous cases of measles who have already recovered and were never tested. Also, families with possible cases who also did not seek medical attention."
The senior scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), David Sugerman, stated at a meeting of the CDC's vaccine advisory committee on Tuesday, April 16, that they believe there are a large number of unreported measles cases. Furthermore, 90% of the country's cases are linked to the outbreak in the Southwest caused by some under-vaccinated communities.
The CDC's statements are due to the recent measles outbreaks in the United States. According to an NBC News tally, 747 cases of the virus have been reported in the country. Of these, two children in Texas and an adult in New Mexico who were not vaccinated died.
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Measles actions: Is the outbreak in Texas being controlled?
Sugermán said the CDC sent 15 people to Texas to control infections and will send seven more this week. He also assured that they continue to administer vaccinations and will increase wastewater monitoring.
For the scientist, the $11.4 billion cut for COVID-19 last year meant funding limitations in Texas. He also added that they are doing everything possible to send support to Texas and other jurisdictions to help control measles.
Virus background in the country
The State Department of Health Services confirms that as of Tuesday, April 16, 561 cases of measles have been reported in Texas. Additionally, it states that controlling each measles case can cost between $30,000 and $5,000.
The United States has never recorded a single death from measles in the past 10 years, and the last death of a child from the disease. Given this situation, many are criticizing the strategy of Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, for disseminating unproven information about measles vaccination and treatment.